Michael Cataroja, an inmate at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City, managed to escape on July 7 by hiding under a garbage truck. This version of events, however, differs from what Cataroja initially told the police upon his rearrest in mid-August. He initially claimed that he mingled with visitors and casually walked out. To support his modified story, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) released a video of Cataroja recreating the escape.
The release of the video seems to suggest that BuCor wants to portray Cataroja as a cunning escape artist rather than admit that an inmate could easily slip out of the maximum security prison. This raises the question of whether Cataroja received help from inside. Regardless of the truth behind Cataroja’s escape, this incident highlights the lack of trust the public has in BuCor, given its history and the promised reforms under new leadership.
BuCor is now requesting an additional P1.5 billion in funding for the next year, on top of the P7.2 billion already earmarked for the bureau. They claim that the additional funds are necessary for scanner machines, advanced body-worn cameras, a better surveillance system, a new mess hall, and more K-9 dogs. While these upgrades are important, it raises concerns about whether BuCor can be trusted with these funds, considering their failure to prevent the escape and their inability to properly allocate resources for inmates’ basic needs.
It is also puzzling that BuCor did not request an increase in their food and medicine budget for over 50,000 inmates across seven penal institutions. When questioned about this during a budget briefing, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla revealed that BuCor’s request for a higher daily subsistence allowance and medical allowance for inmates was denied. Budget Assistant Secretary Mary Ann dela Vega explained that increasing the daily subsidy would require a corresponding increase for facilities run by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, which would be too costly.
While it is understandable that BuCor wants to improve its facilities, the question remains whether preventing hunger in prisons should take priority over other upgrades. The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged violations of food subsistence agreements (FSAs) in their audit report on BuCor, revealing that inmates were being served meager and unhealthy meals. This shows the misplaced priorities of a bureau that claims to prioritize the well-being of its inmates.
If BuCor continues to prioritize the wrong things, it won’t be surprising if more inmates resort to desperate acts like escape. The possibility of mass graves within Bilibid may become a grim reality. It is crucial for BuCor to reassess its priorities and regain the public’s trust by properly allocating resources and ensuring the well-being of the inmates under their care.
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